Friday, 3 May 2013

Viva! Mother and Baby Guide

This week I've mostly been trying out recipes from this excellent leaflet. Oh and walking in the park (the weather has been SO nice!) - even though Small usually sleeps through it.

It's rare for me to follow other people's recipes - usually I'll just create my own, but this week I decided it was time to get Small eating 'family' meals and was looking for a little inspiration. As you might have gathered from the blog - I cook for her a lot anyway, but have been making her meals I know she can manage. She'll actually be one in a matter of weeks and us all eating the same meal has lots of advantages, mainly saving time in the kitchen and food bill!
The guide has a suggested meal plan and all the recipes for a two week period which it says are suitable for older babies and toddlers - all the recipes are suitable from one year (and Small is pretty awesome at chewing) so gave it a go. I brought a paper copy, but if you'd like to try it out too you can get it free online HERE.
So far we've made the Hummus, Tofu Potato Cakes, Very Quick Lentil Soup, Quick Mushroom & Almond Nutmeat, Lentil & Broccoli Gratin, Macaroni Cheese, Scrambled Tofu and Apple with Raisins. She's readily eaten all except the 'nutmeat' - I think the flavors were a little too strong for her and will season her portion less next time I make it.

Is it really family food? I'd say yes, but you might want to season your serving a little more than you do for your child. This week I've happily eaten these meals alongside Small and even rather quite liked some (Lentil & Broccoli Gratin). We are also both fans of the Nectarine Desert - it really doesn't taste like it's full of tofu!
I'm glad I revisited this guide now Small is a bit older and I'll definately make some of these things again. I think if you have a vegan child it's a 'must read' along with Feeding Your Vegan Infant With Confidence.